Wastewater discharges and soil washouts after heavy rain are causing poor swimming conditions at Lough Muckno.
The Castleblayney lake failed to meet the minimum water quality standards set by the EPA for bathing areas.
As there are no designated bathing areas in County Monaghan, there’s no obligation on the local authority to monitor water quality.
However, from 22 samples over a four year period, Lough Muckno has been deemed to be below the minimum standard.
Nigel Hayes from the EPA gave Monaghan County Council credit for doing rigorous testing, and explained where the problems arise.
Geaghlone Lake in Carrickmacross met the minimum standards, with Hollywood Lake in Scotstown deemed to be of “Generally Good Quality”.
Creevy Lake in Carrickmacross, Emy Lake in Emyvale and Halton’s River in Cootehill all met the highest quality standards.
